Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

Go island-hopping in Thailand and experience some of the best snorkelling in the world. Enjoy a week aboard our sailing catamaran and discover what makes Thailand special. With an experienced captain navigating the southern islands, you’ll drop anchor at highlights and secret spots perfect for a swim. Work up an appetite snorkelling, dine on Thai cuisine, and sleep moored under the stars. This trip is perfect on its own or as an add-on with our other Thai adventures.

Relax on the deck of the catamaran in the stunning southern Thai islands, eat delicious Thai cuisine, lounge on beautiful beaches, swim and snorkel in quiet bays

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1.Please note that space is very,very limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. It is important that you only take on board soft sided luggage such as a mid sized backpack or soft duffel bag, keeping your bag’s weight to less than 15kgs. Suitcases are not appropriate for our Thai sailing adventure as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.
If you are on a longer trip, it may be possible to store excess luggage for one week at the yacht harbour.
2.Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day.One towel per week is provided for showering purposes – please bring a beach towel. Drinking water is provided free of charge on board the yacht.
3. It’s important to note that the beds in the cabins are not the usual length of a standard bed. The length is approximately 1.8 meters ( 6 feet)COMBOTRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

Group Leader Description

This sailing adventure is staffed by a qualified skipper, a local cook/first mate and a G Adventures CEO. Your onboard team know the Thai Islands extremely well and are passionate about sharing their hidden secrets with their “crew”. They know the best secluded beaches, snorkeling spot, coolest beach bars and where you can check your internet. Our Cook is very welcoming and more than happy to give informal Thai cooking classes while your delicious meals are being prepared in the ship’s galley.

Group Size Notes

Max 18, avg. 10.

Meals Included

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Traveling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world.
Food is a major part of this sailing adventure. You will enjoy many home cooked meals lovingly prepared by our on board cook. Portions are generous and will include sea food, typical Thai dishes and even the occasional breakfast fry up.
Drinking water is provided and beer, wine and soft drink is available to purchase at cost price aboard.
Non included meals are taken ashore at local restaurants.
There’s nothing left to do but kick back and relax!

Transport

25m (82 ft) sailing catamaran.

About our Transportation

Please note that this is a sailing catamaran, and the skipper will be using wind power when the winds are agreeable. Although this is not a learn to sail program, you may have a chance to learn a few tricks of the trade and assist the skipper with navigation while sailing. There are times when motoring the catamaran will be required, due to unfavorable wind conditions.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

The catamaran is equipped with a total of 8 passenger cabins. Two deluxe double cabins are located on the main deck offering panoramic views, a slightly larger bathroom, and they are more easily accessed without the use of steep stairs. There are six standard twin cabins below deck, accessed by steep stairs. All standard cabins feature port hole windows, and some are convertible to doubles subject to availability – please enquire when booking. For your added comfort all cabins feature air-conditioning and private en suite bathrooms.

Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.

The vessel also features an onboard kitchenette, interior and exterior common areas, and plenty of outside deck space.

If you are a single traveller, you will be paired up in a cabin with another traveller of the same gender. Please note cabins have limited luggage storage space. Most travellers spend little time in their cabins, mainly using them to sleep and store their belongings.

Joining Instructions

Please meet your skipper at 3:00pm at The Living Room Coffee Shop in The Yacht Haven Marina. It is located next to the yacht marina office. A table will be set aside and a G Adventures flag flying in the restaurant.

If arriving into Phuket by air, you can take a taxi from the airport for approximately 600 Thai Bhat.

Please note that if you’re searching for the joining location online, the proper address may not appear correctly or may be missing. Please search for ‘The Living Room seafood restaurant & bar Thailand’ to view the location on the map, and you can give the address listed above to your taxi driver.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact our skipper or office in Bangkok at the numbers listed below.

Emergency Contact

EMERGENCYCONTACTNUMBERS

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Laundry facilities are not available on the boat. You may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Please note that visas for Thailand are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an Embassy and Consulate in the country that you live in. THAILAND – Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but please check prior to departure.
Please note that as of December 2008, 30 day Thai visas are no longer available at land borders. Only 15 day tourist visas are issued when you enter Thailand overland. If you are staying more than 15 days you should consider getting your visa prior to your trip.
*Please note that certain nationalities (including: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Ukraine) may not be able to obtain visa at a land border.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

All purchases made onboard the boat must be made with cash.

Money Exchange

During this tour the local currency you will use is the Thai Baht. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers’ cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO, Skipper and Cook did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used.

Optional Activities

Phang Nga Bay
- Dinghy Excursion

Railay Beach
- Visit the Shrine of the Sea Princess

Ko Phi Phi Le
- Snorkelling

Ko Khai Nai
- Ko Khai Nai Island Visit

Health

Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.

Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Local Dress

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you’ll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gadventures.com/evaluations

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

14

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, skipper, assistant/cook

PRODUCT_LINE: ATSA, ID: 21918

Itinerary

Day 1: Phuket/Phang Nga Bay (1D)

Meet at ‘The Living Room’ restaurant to begin the adventure.

In the afternoon, sail towards the Northern Phuket Islands. Choose to go on a dinghy exploration, relax on the deck, or enjoy for an evening swim under the stars.

Additional Notes:
The marina is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Phuket airport. Please check the joining instructions section for directions. Meet in Phuket at the ‘The Living Room’ restaurant at The Yacht Haven Marina at 3pm.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day
Sailing Welcome Meeting

Transport:
25m (82 ft) Thai Sailing Catamaran

Day 2: Phang Nga Bay/Railay Beach (1B, 1L)

Set sail through the emerald waters to James Bond Island, made famous as the setting for “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Afterwards, travel to Railay beach and opt to climb to the stunning local view point, kick back and enjoy a massage, visit the Shrine of the Sea Princess, or explore the town.

In the evening, anchor amongst the limestone island scenery, enjoy an optional local dinner, and get a taste of Railay’s nightlife.

Included Activities:
James Bond Island Visit

Transport:
25m (82 ft) Thai Sailing Catamaran

Day 3: Railay Beach/Ko Ha Yai (1B, 1L, 1D)

Anchor up early in the morning and sail towards Ko Ha Yai.

If time allows, stop at Ko Maa en route for some snorkelling. Enjoy an included and overnight at Ko Ha Yai.

Transport:
25m (82 ft) Thai Sailing Catamaran (5.00 hour(s))

Day 4: Ko Ha Yai/Ko Phi Phi (1B, 1D)

Even with all the hype, Ko Phi Phi doesn’t disappoint. The islands seem to rise from the sea. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. This is truly a piece of paradise.

Depending on weather conditions, spend the evening anchored off of this beautiful beach or head to Ko Phi Phi for a bit of nightlife.

Additional Notes:
As this is a combination tour, some of your “crew” may depart today and you may be joined by some new travelling companions in the afternoon.

Transport:
25m (82 ft) Thai Sailing Catamaran

Day 5: Ko Phi Phi/Ko Raja Noi (1B, 1L, 1D)

After an early morning visit to Maya Bay and Leonardo’s Paradise, where “The Beach” was filmed, spend the day sailing through the Southern Phuket Islands. Go slow to enjoy snorkelling and savour a lunch break amongst the breathtaking scenery.

Overnight at Ko Raja Noi.

Additional Notes:
Part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, including Maya Bay, will be closed from June 1 to September 30, 2018 on the orders of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) as part of a four-month rejuvenation program. None of our departures will be affected by the closure.

Included Activities:
Maya Bay Excursion
Ko Raja Noi Visit

Transport:
25m (82 ft) Thai Sailing Catamaran (6.00 hour(s))

Day 6: Ko Raja Noi/Ko Yao Yai (1B, 1L)

If time permits and the group is interested, opt for a visit to Ko Khai Nai en route to Ko Yao Yai.

Overnight at Ko Yao Yai.

Transport:
25m (82 ft) Thai Sailing Catamaran (5.00-6.00 hours)

Day 7: Ko Yao Yai/Phuket (1B)

Depart for the harbour early. Take a break for a swim and arrive into Phuket just before lunch.